The Three Province Pedal “The weather began to close in,and after donning their waterproofs the team were off again this time towards Scarborough Masonic Hall” This year’s sponsored cycle ride, in aid of the Durham 2021 Festival, saw a team of 34 riders, ably supported by 6 support drivers, take on The Three Province Pedal. This was a 180 mile ride, from Leeds to Hartlepool via York, Beverley, Scarborough and Whitby, with the small matter of two days of climbs onto the North Yorkshire Moors along the way. Friday morning saw the riders set off to Beverly with a lunch stop in between at the Masonic Hall in York. Saturday morning at 8.30am saw the team setting off to Whitby
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with a lunch stop at Hunmanby provided by our very own Paul Quinn, ably assisted by his sous chef, Harry Prince, during which the weather began to close in, and after donning their waterproofs the team were off again this time towards Scarborough Masonic Hall and meeting up with the Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire, North and East Ridings, Jeff Gillyon. After a brief presentation the team were back on their bikes and to their overnight accommodation in Whitby, where they were met by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Stephen Walker, and his wife.
Sunday, the final morning of this year’s event, was undoubtedly the toughest section of the 3 days, involving some steep climbing out of Whitby and up onto the top of the North Yorkshire Moors. Eventually the team reached the summit and enjoyed a wonderful downhill ride to Guisborough Masonic Hall, where Zetland Lodge, their family, and their friends had put on a wonderful lunch for the weary group. There had been a couple of injuries along the way, but the final afternoon saw the full team back on their bikes and heading for the finish line. Crossing the
Tees via the Newport Bridge, returning to the Province of Durham, they made for The Headland at Hartlepool, where they were met by their family and friends. After three days of arduous riding, the team congregated on the Pilot Pier and were delighted to announce to John Arthur, who was once again on hand to meet them, that their collective efforts had raised £25,000 for the Durham 2021 Festival in aid of the RMTGB/MCF. Well done team, and many, many thanks, to all who supported them.
www.durhamfreemasons.org
